MODULE 2

LECTURE 3
 SLEEPER DENSITY
Number of sleepers provided for
one rail length of track is called
sleeper density

If “N” is the length of one

rail in meters,
Sleeper Density = N+ X , (X
–> 3 to 6)
Length of one rail = 12.8m =13m
Sleeper Density = N+5 = 13+ 5 =
For a Broad Gauge track,
18
total number of sleepers Total number of sleepers required
required for 1km length of for 1km length = (18/12.8)x1000 =
railway track if sleeper 1406 sleepers
density = N+5
 Factors affecting sleeper density
Sleeper density depends on certain factors:
 the axle load; if the axle load is increasing the sleeper density should also be increased

 higher speed then we required to just the resist the augmented conditions of the different loads which

are coming, so therefore again the sleeper density needs to be increased in this case

 the lower rail section have been provided the sleeper density can be increased

 type of the sleeper which is being provided, if heavy sleepers have been then sleeper can be reduced

and sleeper density may reduce.

 thickness of the depth of the ballast cushion or what is the type of the ballast is being used

 formation
 SLEEPER SPACING

The spacing of sleepers is fixed depending upon the sleeper

density.
Spacing is not kept uniform throughout the rail length.
 It is closer near the joints because of the weakness of the
joints and impact of moving loads on them
 BALLASTLESS TRACK
 A ballastless track or slab track is a type of 
railway track superstructure in which the
traditional elastic combination of 
ties/sleepers and ballast is replaced with a
rigid construct of concrete or asphalt.
 In ballastless tracks, the rails are rigidly
fastened to a special type of concrete
ties/sleepers that are themselves set in
concrete. Ballastless tracks therefore offer a
high consistency in track geometry
  ballastless tracks must be concreted within a
tolerance of 0.5 millimetres.
 Advantages
 consistent track geometry
 longer life span
 reduced need for maintenance.
 Disadvantages
 higher cost of initial construction
 disadvantages of ballastless tracks are the
impossibility of adjusting or correcting track
geometry once concrete has been set
 higher noise emissions